Description Repository & Advice

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NauNatha
Posts: 108
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2014 7:16 am

Description Repository & Advice

Post by NauNatha » Mon May 23, 2016 10:33 am

I've been told that these were decent, so here is every place able/item description that ever came from Qintarra Vh'larra.

The creative process:
1) Inspiration, literally could be from an RP event, or solo PVE, or seeing something on my wall. Inspiration is important. If you can get a picture of what you want in your head, then you have a great start.
2) Rough draft - Just get your idea's out! Order doesn't even matter, spelling and grammar, word choice... these are things to worry about later. Rough draft is arguably, to me, the most important part, as it should be providing you a roadmap of your description. Bullet point lists works, short paragraphs, etc.
3) Sleep. I never ever took a second pass over a rough draft the same day I did it. It's important to look at it with a totally fresh mind.
4) Second draft - this is where you flesh out the bullet points, or revise and add to your paragraphs. Word choice is ultra important, I strove to never use the same words twice in the same description (though obviously sometimes it's unavoidable. If this is the case, make sure the context is noticeably different than the previous usage). No shame in using online thesaurus' if you're stumped, or looking to literature or other descriptions for further inspiration.
5) Final draft - This was just a spelling check, mainly. I would also have someone peer review it (make sure you choose a peer who will dig to find something wrong with it, or they're no good to you.)

Some Rules of Thumb I stuck too:
1) Less is more; if you can convey the same amount of information/detail in three sentences with one, then you should use only one.
2) Don't get too "wordy". Ties into #1.
3) Do not 'take control' of other character's PC's by describing how they feel looking at something.
4) Personal taste: Don't slap DC's into descriptions.

Paintings
A Pactwitch Shackled

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A wide brush was used to make the innumerable short strokes that make up this striking portrayal. It bears a pastel-like style, and it is difficult to tell what type of paint was used upon the grainy canvas (which itself likely comes from Ripplebark, and Underdark fungus). Minuscule Xanalress runes have been etched into the back of the frame.
They read:
"A Pactwitch Shackled"
by Qintarra Vh'larra

Jilted by each other's presence, every object and figure appears to nebulously blend into the next, defined by where the colors that define them meet, in place of hard lines. Despite the artist's chosen style and choice in materials, when one takes the image in as a whole, it becomes easy to determine what the creator wished to capture.

Under a lightless ceiling, Arachnid motif's decorate otherwise dark granite walls; against it: a large bed clad in purple sheets between a pair of massive... bookshelves? The foreground is dominated by a massive column. Twin granite appendages jut out from other side, curving forward in a embrace. In place of hands are shackles, the Adamantine constraints occupied by the limp wrists of a Human female.

Diamonds and Rubies are scattered upon the floor before the prisoner, her shredded clothes loosely hanging by threads: robes torn to pieces, a veil sundered apart like broken glass. A lone violet feather manages to sneak through the tangled mess of fabric. Crimson hair splayed forth (and through) the tattered remains of the woman's hood. 

Intimidating, yet undeniably charismatic. Desperate and defeated, yet defiant. A difficult combination of traits to capture, yet successfully done so here. If one's eyes linger upon her, they may notice a face without imperfection, creating a disturbing uncanny effect that borders surreality.

Thin, delicate Dark Elven fingers grip the prisoner's forehead; she faces away from the viewer, silhouette obscured by hood and flowing cloak of Obsidian and Amethyst color. A black staff is held in her left hand, rising to a height greater than her own and ending in a shimmering vortex.

Hue's darken around the point of physical contact, crafting an illusion of warping light that closer inspection reveals to surround the Drow. This effect seems to spread and multiply across the illustration. The floor becomes a sea pulled by a slow tide, and the spider's that nest upon the walls animate and scatter away from the encroaching field of bending light. The viewer's attention may be drawn back to the prisoner's symmetrical face by... movement? Her cheeks split open! Jaw, eyes, porcelain skin erupting into the dark mist of a thousand centipedes, leaving behind an empty void as the plague of insects spreads across the vacant regalia.
In a Mirror, Darkly (I'm probably most proud of this one. It sold for a hideous amount at an auction, too. Zing!)

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The artist behind this painting used long, slightly curved strokes and a wide brush to assemble the background of this watercolor painting, and short, straight strokes with a thin brush for the foreground. The canvas is a grainy paper possibly made from an Underdark fungus, and tiny Xanalress runes have been etched into the back of the frame. They read:
"In a Mirror, Darkly"
by Qintarra Vh'larra

Most of this painting is pitch black, akin to staring into an empty abyss. This void begins to slowly morph into grey, which in turn gives way to faintly visible Earth as a light source struggles to illuminate the landscape: a shaft of white light rising from behind an enormous, reflective mirror.

In the distance behind the mirror, the faint silhouettes of distant peaks mark a mountainous region. Amethyst and Alexandrite have been encrusted to the frame of the dark mirror that dominates the visible foreground, adding the only real color to an other wise monochromatic piece.

An ill-defined humanoid shape can be seen within the reflection of the mirror, though no form can be seen standing before the great pane of polished glass. Focusing on the figure unveils a detail here or there: an edge of clothing, a wayward hair, the lace of a boot; but the face seems to remain without feature.

Focusing on the blank head prompts it to take shape. A nose slowly fades into clarity; color finds the skin, the shape of the lips and jaw forms. At this point, the nature of the painting begins to twist. The darkness that surrounds the light seems to bend and warp in peripheral vision, and the shaft of light dims.

It becomes easier to make out the face, and an involuntary shudder might pass through the viewer when they spy the visage reflected in the mirror: their own. Only the strongest of wills or dimmest of minds would be excluded from hearing the drawn out words spoken with a woman's voice in their mind: "I see you."
The Chains of Minauros

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Long, flowing watercolor strokes of a wide brush form the background of this painting. This contrasts with the short, sharp detailing done with acrylic paints and a thin brush. The canvas is high quality, though it carries a grainy texture and appears to have originated from an Underdark fungus. The back of the frame sports tiny Xanalress runes that translate to: "The Chains of Minauros", by Qintarra Vh'larra

Towering cliff faces obscured by a perpetual, disgusting cloud of thick, sickly green fog. A waterfall of acid pours from the heights and crashes into the basin below, draining out into a bog that stretches across the landscape. Crumbling pillars of stone jut out like rock formations, remnants of a long destroyed bridge.

A massive formation of anthropomorphic rock stands partially in the bog, a stone fist pinning a creature draped in numerous hanging chains against one of the ancient bridge supports. A small, armored Elven figure crouches not far away, tower shield over her head to deflect the incoming blade of a winged female figure, her own blade impaled through her opponents stomach.

The central pair fight side-by-side, a trail of eviscerated bodies and severed limbs left in their wake. Decayed bones, shattered armor, broken weapons, and polished skulls of all shapes and sizes decorate the landscape, the legacies of past battles and expeditions into the hellish environment.

Focusing on one spot too long seems to animate the figures caught in the peripherals; the viewer might swear they witnessed the incoming horde moving towards the interlopers. It even seems to create the illusion of falling acid rains.
Ssinssirigg - The Fall of Matron Rilyn'aun

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Muted ambers, vivid oranges, and deep purples battle each other in twisting, weaving threads that dance and twine together until all become one at the canvas' center. Their edges are dark, fading into the colorless, black backdrop the sphere is transposed upon. At it's center, the blend is bright, giving the illusion of illumination. The back of the frame sports tiny Xanalress runes that translate roughly to: "Love.", by Qintarra Vh'larra

These watercolors are interrupted by a layer of acrylic paints: Icewhites, Obsidian blacks, Faezress Reds and Purples. An immense, rusted iron pillar rises through the center, encased by granite at both ends. Steel arms protrude from the column, stretching outwards like arms searching for an embrace, with shackles in lieu of hands.

Thin wrists, skin the color of painted Obsidian, poke through the tightly latched shackles. A female Drow hangs from her cage in an exaggerated Y pose, slender hands limp; head held aloft, Faerzress red and purple eyes transfixed forward in an expression that can only be read as: "I'd rather be anywhere but here."

The Icewhite tunic and cloak born by the prisoner matches the close-shaven hair she sports. A pin signifying the rank of Matron is affixed to her breast, alongside a House symbol of a screaming skull looming over the prisoner's heart. Tears seem to flow freely over her cheeks and face in real time; an artist's trick of the eye, or perhaps a minor enchantment?

A diminutive Dark Elven female form stands before the prisoner, facing away from the viewer; armor plates colored a shade of deep purple stand out against the backdrop of gleaming obsidian that makes up her armor. One arm is held linear towards the captured Matron Mother, a jagged-edged longsword clasped tightly by a gauntleted hand and aimed towards the unfortunate Drow's heart.

The armored figure's other arm is cocked back like a pugilist preparing to strike, hand posed as if gripping at an invisible sphere. Peripheral vision seems to reveal an orb of twisting darkness that slowly comes into being in the empty space she seems to hold, but it disappears when one's eyes fall back upon her.

Despite the impossible prospect of making out her features or expression, an impression of victorious contempt oozes from the smaller Dark Elf. Wispy, oily shadows stand watch in the background, the forms Gnolls and Duergar identifiable amidst the smoky silhouette's; they stand in stark contrast to the bright color of the rest of the painting - their presence felt, but clearly not a part of the scene.
The Bridge of Sighs (This title was a reference to the feeling I got whenever I entered the Avernus bridge, and a reference to the one of the last missions in Homeworld.)

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This illustration was crafted using two differing techniques. Depictions of the inanimate and background scenery have been painted with sparing wide, flowing strokes of pastel-like oil paints. Conversely: numerous short, thin passes with a fine-haired brush dipped with acrylics create the striking forms of the animate. Small Xanalress runes have been embossed into the backside of the Ripplebark (a fungus that grows abundantly in the Middledark) canvas.
They read:
"The Bridge of Sighs"
by Qintarra Vh'larra

Menacing full plate gives bulk to a slender, otherwise diminutive Elven figure; atop the chest of a hideous Devil/Golem hybrid she stands, left-hand firmly grasping the hilt of a jagged-edged blade firmly sheathed into the Juggernaut's immense chest. Yellow tracers bend against the warping, twisting light surrounding the warrior's fist, raised high above her winged helm.

They stand at the head of a stone bridge. It's length seems to stretch on forever, fading into the red-hued fog that hangs over the horizon. Granite platforms the shape of perfect squares guard the granite crossing, juxtaposed against the river of magma that isolates them. 

A whirling vortex dominates the space above the closest platform: a disc of nothingness bordered by bright yellow concentrations of light sucked into the inescapable void. A swarm of Erinyes' are caught within it's grasp, forcefully stretched into it's maw. Wing, limb, blade and bow all bend at broken, unnatural angles; fear, horror, death, wrote across their faces.

Flights of the winged temptresses dance in and out of the bloodfog that stains the horizon. A phalanx of chain-draped silhouette's form into perception at the bridge's far end, a Juggernaut at their head, ever-marching towards the viewer.
Assorted Fixtures
Obsidian Spider Guardian's of Lolth

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This sculpture bears the signs of having been chiselled from Obsidian gemstone, but upon touching the warm surface, the grainy texture reveals the sculpture to have been hewn from Granite-- likely, the surface was treated Alchemically to give it a black, shiny sheen.

The sculpture takes the form of an enormous Dire Spider, it's mouth slightly ajar to slightly expose it's silver, venomous fangs. Four brilliant Amethyst Gems have been cut and polished into a convex curve and set into the Spider's eye sockets; flecks of Gold dust have been merged into the Amethyst through an undetermined alchemical process.

Close inspection reveals traces of a sticky, midnight-purple substance leaking from the Spider's fangs, a weak poison that would burn to the touch. Splattered globules of discharged webbing lie beneath the sculpture's spinner, decorating the cavern floor. A Ruby the shape of a flattened hourglass has been set into the Spider's forehead.

Those with the prerequisite expertise would be able to detect the lingering traces of Divine Poison and Web spells.
Obsidian Temple Pillar

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An Obsidian pillar rises from the granite floor of Her temple to meet the ceiling. It is exceptionally cold to the touch, leaving a chill sensation upon the skin. The grainy texture of the surface dispels the illusion that this was crafted from gemstone, revealing it instead to have been hewn from a block of granite. It was likely treated by the same alchemical process as the Spider Guardian's that stand watch at Her doors, giving the pillar it's black, shiny sheen. 

Thin, interconnecting rings made from bonded Amethyst dust wrap around the entirety of the column. Using only peripheral vision, it might seem that these lines are swimming and dancing across the ocean of Obsidian darkness upon which they float. Touching anywhere else inside these near-infinity symbols, and the finger would seem to disappear into the blackness like a castaway lost at sea.

Inside every third Amethyst band rests the image of a spider with the head of an exquisitely beautiful female Drow. Lines of Silver webbing have been engraved into image, from which the Arachnid hangs upside down. Tiny, flattened Ruby gems in the shape of an hourglass have been pressed upon Lolth's bloated abdomen; even smaller Rubies are set into Her eyes, which give the illusion of following your gaze. If one were to touch the Silver web, it would leave traces of a sticky residue upon the finger.

Those with the prerequisite expertise might detect the lingering traces of a Divine Web and Darkness spells active upon the pillar.
Complex Mosaic

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Thin strands of cotton, a semi-rare commodity in the Underdark, deceptively appear to have been tightly woven together. Though at first glance this appears to be a solid piece of material, minuscule gaps are revealed between each line of material upon a closer look. The number of individual threads is staggering, likely numbering upwards of several hundred thousand. This work of art likely took a number of years to complete that one of the shorter lived races simply could not afford to spend: given the subject of the illustration, this theory is likely true.

From a distance, one would immediately notice the portrait of a Dark Elven woman solely depicted in the center of the mosaic. Her back is turned towards the viewer, silver-grey curly tresses fall over her black cloak. Brilliant, winding purple lines her otherwise Obsidian robes, indicative of royalty.

Defiant in pose, the Drow's arm is raised towards the sky; gauntleted, crimson-band decorated digits tightly grip a staff just below it's head. Decorated by winding, brilliant purple engravings that match the robes of it's wielder, the pole's summit has been set with massive gems that gleam a Hellfire red.

She stands against an unseen foe: indeed, excluding the Amethyst-colored ring that makes up the mosaic's edge, only a sea of darkness greets the observer's eyes. Is it this impenetrable void that she stands against? Or is she embracing the oblivion that it signifies?

Close approach would reveal the finer details: the image-within-the-image, the microscopic that builds the macroscopic. Repeating images are the rule of day here, arranged in patterns that form the larger picture. Colors of red break apart into dancing arachnids, skittering along webs of blood. Rivers of Violet and Heliotrope serpents slithering in great numbers form royal purples, bordered by ebony seas given definition by mauve ringlets. Silver-yellow hair takes the shape of the Many-Ringed Fingers of Kiaransalee.
Simple Wooden Table (This was placed dead center atop the complex mosaic described above)

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Contrasting sharply with the beautiful, intricate mosaic this product of the carpenter's craft sits atop. Considering the artistic flair of nearly everything else in the room, this object seems out of place, despite the obvious consideration paid towards it's placement. Does some enchantment lie hidden within it's hardwood planks? Does some command word unlock hidden magical powers? Is it a gateway to the Abyss, hidden to prevent suspicion?

No, it's just a table.
Last edited by NauNatha on Mon May 23, 2016 10:51 am, edited 1 time in total.
"You're only as good as your teachers."

NauNatha
Posts: 108
Joined: Sun Sep 14, 2014 7:16 am

Re: Description Repository & Advice

Post by NauNatha » Mon May 23, 2016 10:44 am

Item Descriptions
The Skull of Nyxterryalamus (Some one-off RP item no one, myself included, cared about)

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This very large skull bears an undeniably striking resemblance to a Balor, the most powerful form of Demon native to the Abyss. It radiates heat, warming the hands when held. Almost half of the bone has been transmuted into crystal, the transition seamless and in some places, unnoticeable. One of it's enormous horns is cleanly broken off.

The mouth of the Demon hangs open, forever frozen in a visage of rage and fear as the "Immortal" embraced it's final moments of existence. Powerful identification magics reveal this to be the Skull of Nyxtteryalamus, a Tanar'ri summoned by the Archmage Z'landaran of the Sorcere in the Drow city of T'lindhet.

Intending to use the Balor's immense power to augment his own in a bid to depose the Matron Mother's and establish the Sorcere as the ruling body of the city, the Wizard foolishly underestimated the cunning and hostile disposition of Nyxtteryalamus; the Demon had spotted a weakness in the wizard's wards and waited until the Sorcere had committed to battle to break them.

At the height of combat, Nyxtteryalamus shattered it's bonds and slaughtered nearly all present: by time the Demon had been banished back to the Abyss, the entire upper echelons of the Sorcere lay dead, along with six of the seven Matron Mothers gathered from the cities most powerful houses.

Permanently maimed by the Demon, the surviving Matron Mother, Maeliira Malle'urden, became overwhelmed by an insatiable thirst for vengeance. Compelled by this rage, the Drow resurrected Z'landaran, holding him responsible for the carnage and cursing him with a geas. If he did not enter the Abyss and return with the Demon's head, his soul would slowly rot in the Demonweb Pits for eternity.

Martially outmatched and without options, the wizard parleyed with an Efreeti to obtain the secrets of the reality altering spell, Wish. Armed with this magical knowledge, the Wizard breached into the 373rd layer of the Abyss and tracked Nyxtteryalamus to his Citadel.

The wizard stealthily entered the citadel, successfully sneaking past the host of Succubi consorts, wandering Manes, and Nyxtteryalamus' Marelith lover and general, Eirrutimnei. Alas, the wizard was caught unawares by a Vrock lieutenant. The wizard thought quickly, and before the Vrock could cleave him in two, made a desperate offer.

"I can release you into the Prime!" cried the Wizard. This caught the Vrock's attention, who indeed, sensed great ability in the less-than-wise wizard. They struck an agreement: the Vrock would gain the wizard access to the Balor's inner sanctum in exchange for his summoning into the Prime Material Plane.

The pair breached Nyxterryalamus' lair and surprised the great Demon, who reacted by teleporting into range and instantly bisecting the traitorous Tanar'ri who had allowed a mortal into his dwelling. This was Nyxtteryalamus' mistake: those precious few seconds gave the wizard ample time to perform his frantic arcane magic.

Nyxterryalamus was paralysed, completely frozen in place by the effects of the powerful Wish spell. The wizard summoned a magical blade that slowly sawed the still conscious Demon's head off. Returning unexpectedly triumphant, the wizard's geas was lifted and Maeliira 'rewarded' him by banishing the Drow from T'lindhet.

The rest of the legend states that should the severed head be reunited with the preserved bones of the Balor's body and a True Resurrection spell cast upon it, the Demon will reawaken and offer great rewards to his rescuer.
Wands
Bulwark of the Void (Negative Plane Protection)

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This wand has been carved from bleached animal bone of unidentifiable origin. A pair of crystals rest at the crown of the wand, both colored of the deepest red; each seem to catch and swallow the light around it. At the base of the wand, resting in a depression lined by a thin band of Amethyst, lies a polished Obsidian gem that serves as an activation button.

A tangled, weaving mass of black lines decorate the wand from end-to-end. This illusion is dispelled upon close inspection, revealing the lines to be thin trenches (no wider than a tenth of a millimeter) scored into the bone. Activating the wand causes a wave of dull, purple light to shine from the trenches, swimming up from the Obsidian towards the Focusing Crystals at the head of the wand.

Those with the prerequisite expertise would note that the focusing crystals appear to have captured and stored an excess of Negative Energy, which when released forms a shield around the user, granting protection from the effects of contact with the debilitating energy.
"Deathshield" Wand (Death Ward)

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This wand has been carved from bleached animal bone of unidentifiable origin. A pair of electric blue crystals rest upon the wand's finial, humming softly with stored energy.  At the base of the wand, resting in a depression lined by a thin band of Amethyst, lies a polished Obsidian gem that serves as an activation button.

Activating the wand causes the pair of crystals to hum and become luminescent. Pale blue energy dances between the Focusing Crystals, and envelopes the user in a glowing shield. While the luminescence fades, the shield remains, shrugging off the effects of dangerous death magic. The exact process that constructed this wand remains unclear.
"Shadowgate" Wand (Improved Invisibility)

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This wand has been carved from bleached animal bone of unidentifiable origin. A solitary, shadowy crystal is set into head of the device, bending and warping the light around it to give the illusion of a minute black hole. At the base of the wand, resting in a depression lined by a thin band of Amethyst, lies a polished Obsidian gem that serves as an activation button.

A tangled, weaving mass of black lines decorate the wand from end-to-end. This illusion is dispelled upon close inspection, revealing the lines to be thin trenches (no wider than a tenth of a millimeter) scored into the bone. Activating the wand will cause a surge of what can only be described as "Anti-light" to beam through the trenches and cascade into the crystal, which then will shimmer for a microsecond before rendering the user invisible and transparent.

Those with the prerequisite expertise will recognize the Focusing Crystal as being attuned to the Plane of Shadow. Activating the wand  discharges some of its stored energy, partially anchoring the user to the Shadow Plane. This effect is almost identical to the Wizard spell "Improved Invisibility". It is uncertain how, or even if, it works on any plane but the mentioned two.
"Chainbreaker" Wand (Freedom)

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This wand has been carved from bleached animal bone of unidentifiable origin. A prominent crystal the color of lemonade has been into its crown. At the base of the wand, resting in a depression lined by a thin band of Amethyst, lies a polished Obsidian gem that serves as an activation button. Thin trenches (no wider than a tenth of a millimeter) have been etched into the material from end-to-end, forming a pattern of chains. 

Activating it causes a wave of dull, purple light to shine from the trenches, swimming up from the Obsidian gem towards the Focusing Crystal at the head of the wand. The yellow crystal will rotate in place, making several audible 'clicks' as it turns. While the color is briefly drained, a similarly colored disc simultaneously forms beneath the feet of the user, breaking and protecting from enchantments such as Web or Entangle.
Holy Wand of Lightning Speed (Haste)

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This longer-than-average wand bears a resemblance to a stretched and flattened hourglass, and is made from marble. The finial is set with a faintly glowing enchanted Ruby that is both warm to the touch and electrifying. The entire rod is covered with intricate etchings that depict various scenes from the ancient history of Elvenkind. A golden activation button rests a few inches below the Ruby, and the bottom of the wand has had an Obsidian spike grafted onto it.

Activating the wand results creates a pulse of energy that travels along the shaft, lighting the decorative art along a pale purple as it travels towards the finial. When the charge reaches the Ruby, a bolt of energy is released that will immediately cause a rush of euphoria in the target, giving way to unprecedented quickened movement. The wand appears to have been enchanted to prevent anything stronger than basic identification magic from functioning on it.
Wand of Rothe's Strength (Bull's Strength)

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Carved from an Ivory tusk (likely a Rothe's), the crown of this wand has been shaped and detailed to resemble a Bull's head with wider horns and longer, shaggier fur. Infinitesimally minute Garnet's are set where it's eyes would be, and seem to be unable to reflect any light. At the base of the wand, resting in a depression lined by a thin band of Amethyst, lies a polished Obsidian gem that serves as an activation button.

Pressing the Obsidian button will release one of this wand's charges stored in the Garnet 'eyes', so it is suggested the user align them with the intended target. The target will feel a sense of euphoria, followed by an invigoration of his or her muscles. 
Rod of Illithid's Intelligence (Fox Cunning)

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This appears to be the last ten inches of an Illithid's (known commonly as Mind Flayers) petrified, severed tentacle. Judging by the perfect, straight cut, the Illithid was likely dead or subdued when it was relieved of the appendage. A tiny divot has been bored into the tip, where a Focus Crystal of electric-blue hue resides, quietly buzzing with subdued energy. At the flat end of the Rod rests, resting in a depression lined by a thin band of Amethyst, lies a polished Obsidian gem that serves as an activation button.

Crude pictograph's have been carved into the petrified specimen, depicting figures that resemble armored Dwarves and Elves battling a score of Mind Flayers. The aged look of the pictographs contrast sharply with the pristine condition of the gemstone's, indicating that the art is far older than the magic imbued into the rod.

Activation will cause the pictographs to briefly flash a dull, fading purple; the Focusing Crystal will hum and release one of its stored charges at the target, giving them the gift of increased mental acuity and logic skills.
Wand of Svirf's Wisdom (Owl's Wisdom)

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Carved with care and attention from a Tibia belonging to an unidentified creature, this wand sports a crown carved into the shape of a Deep Gnome's head. It is disproportionately large compared to the thin shaft that makes up the length of the wand; it's mouth is agape, and the Svirfneblin's eyes are set with a pair of tiny, glittering Sapphires.

Aside from the facsimile of a Svirfneblin's head, the wand's only other remarkable feature is the polished Obsidian gem that rests in a depression lined by a thin ring of Amethyst, serving as an activation button. Pressing it will result in the eyes and mouth briefly flashing a dull, blue light as the wand discharges some of its stored energy. Whomever the device is pointed at will experience a euphoric rush, followed by a clarity of mind and increased intuitiveness.
Wand of Diamond Beauty (Eagle's Splendor)

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A simple bone wand set with a faintly glowing Diamond. The bottom of the device features a gold-painted button; pressing it releases a charge of energy stored within the Diamond. Whomever is targeted by the device will experience a euphoric rush, which will give way to a marked increase in their social skills and appearance. Attempts to identify further information are summarily blocked by some kind of anti-scrying enchantment.
"Dracobreach" Wand (Remove Fear)

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This wand sports a violet Focusing Crystal with a rather rough, uncut appearance. The wand is made from the bleached bone of an unidentified animal, and feels hollow. An Obsidian Gem rests inside an Amethyst-lined depression at the base of the device, a button used in it's activation.

Pressing it sends a pulse of energy through the device and into the Focusing Crystal, which briefly glows until it beams a dense ball of light at the target. Immediately any feelings of anxiety and fear in the target will subside.
"Icesheathe" Wand (Protection from Elements)

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This incredibly cold wand seems to have been made, impossibly, from a block of ice. Aside from it's primary function, it appears to have been enchanted to hold it's shape and temperature, forever remaining ice until the last charge has been used, at which point it will rapidly dissolve into a puddle of cool water.

A blue-tinged transparent crystal rests at the head of the wand, firmly set into the ice which seems to have formed around it. Similarly, a ring of Amethyst lines a depression at the base of the device, containing a depressible Obsidian button that activates the magic imbued into the Ice-rod. A noticeable surge of heat is sent into the crystal, which erects a protective elemental shield around the target.

While the name and composition of the device suggest it was created for colder climates, the wand can be effectively used in nearly any environment.
"Gabstopper" Wand (Silence)

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Carved from a Pyroxenite rock, this wand sports the image of an androgynous Elf-like figure with it's mouth sewn shut by strings of Alexandrite Gem, one eye closed and the other set by what appears to be a Fire Opal. The shaft is very short, running only a few inches in length; consequently, the activation button rests atop the figure's head, an Obsidian gem resting within an Amethyst lined depression.

Activating the device will send a pulse towards the target that create's a magical zone of silence, quieting that annoying gossiper for good.
Oloth Plynn D'jal (Darkness)

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The Focusing Crystal of this device does not shine, gleam, or in anyway refract or attract light. It is a crystal of solid darkness, and were it not for your finger's feeling it's physical presence, it would appear as a shadow cast by some invisible object.

Xanalress runes have been etched into all sides of the wand, each reading 'Oloth Plynn D'jal': "Darkness Take You All". An Obsidian gem rests inside an Amethyst-lined depression at the base of the device, a button used in it's activation. Pressing it sends a pulse of dull, purple light through the wand, beaming out of the Drow runes.

Upon reaching the Shadow Crystal, the air around it warps and bends, and a projectile leaps away from the Wand, erring towards it's target and exploding in a sea of magical, pitch-black darkness.
"Sine Quo Non" Wand (Protection from Alignment, name was the episode of Battlestar: Galactica I was watching at the time)

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This wand is made of bleached animal bone. Imagine that! The crown of the device is made up of two parts: a ring connected to the wand shaft, and a golden mounted along a thin rod between the ring. A pair of Obsidian buttons lie in twin depressions at the wands base. 

Pressing once will cause the disc to rotate end-over-end; a second push sends a pulse through the device that creates a magical field of protection attuned to one of the Multi-verses moral alignments. The only distinguishing markings on the disc to discern between Good and Evil is a stripe running down the center: Blue for Good, Red for Evil.
"Rejuvenate" Wand (Lesser Restoration)

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This wand appears to have been made from the finger bone of a younger Dragon; the creator, likely in an attempt at irony, carved the head of the device to resemble such a beast mid-roar. Tiny shavings of Alexandrite decorate the entirety of otherwise bleached bone.

A leather grip has been placed along the shaft, attached in such a way that it can be 'pumped', similar to the most recent Arquebus' designed by Gnomish inventors. Performing this action will release a stored charged of divine energy from the gemstones; it is recommended that you aim before firing. Any debilitating effects will be removed from the target.
"Shadows Be Revealed" Wand (Ultravision)

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A wand made from animal bone, the head of which has been carved to resemble the compound eye of one of the Underdark's numerous varieties of insect. Each of the tiny divots that make up this depiction has had a shaped piece of Aventurine set within. An Obsidian Gem rests inside an Amethyst-lined depression at the base of the device, a button used in it's activation.

Were the lines carved along the circumference of the shaft were to be laid flat, they would resemble the thin, transparent wings of a fly or a gnat. Activating this wand sends a flash of bright purple light through the wand, beams that scream through the carvings on their journey to the "flys" head. The target will find themselves able to see perfectly even in the midst of magical darkness.
"Mindshield" Tentacle Wand (Clarity)

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Made from the severed tentacle of a Mind Flayer and petrified through an unidentifiable alchemical process, the 'head' (tentacle's tip) of this wand has had a tiny divot impressed into it; this divot has been set with a quartz crystal flecked with ruby dust.

An Obsidian Gem rests inside an Amethyst-lined depression at the flat end of the tentacle, and when pressed, causes the wand to heat up and hum with energy; the quartz crystal alights and the ruby dust glows an unexpected dull purple. Whomever the device targets will feel a euphoric rush as their mind becomes an impenetrable fortress.
Kyton Chain Wand (Aid - Kharakis is both a reference to Arakis from Dune, and Kharak from Homeworld.)

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Though some may recognize the material this wand has been constructed from immediately, most would only observe what at first appears to be an incredibly small mace. Rigid chain links composed of an unidentifiable composite connect a tiny wand head to an even smaller handle. A black leather grip has been melded to the handle for ergonomic consideration, and Fluorspar and minuscule Ruby gems have been set into the head of the wand. Frustratingly, there appears to be no easy method of activation.

This thought triggers latent magic, and the command word 'Kharakis' traces itself through the air above the wand like dim, purple pixie dust. Use of the command word will invigorate and refresh the target, improving their combat abilities and resilience by some small measure.
Elemental Heart Wand (I don't remember)

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This surface of this single piece of shaped stone is scored by many trenches, each no wider than a millimeter across. They possess little edge, instead dipping into comfortable slopes that conjure to mind a cross-section of a vein. The wand's head is a misshapen cross between cylinder and sphere, not quite one or the other - akin to a fist with a thumb poking through the middle and ring fingers.

The handle of the wand has a lengthy, thin bolt of cloth wrapped around it to serve as a handle. A smooth, flattened surface runs down the neck, breaking only once the handle begins. Instructions sold with the wand state that to activate the device, one must rub their thumb down this surface. Doing so causes a build-up of energy; the trenches all glow magma-red, before a veritable light-show begins over the head of the targeted creature.
"You're only as good as your teachers."

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